Blue Seafaris Snorkel Byron Bay Julian Rocks "Nuthungulli"

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Snorkel Julian Rocks off Byron Bay, where warm tropical and cool southern waters meet, with leopard sharks, turtles and manta rays and a marine biologist guiding you in the water. Small group of up to 12, leaving from Brunswick Heads boat harbour.

Days

About 2.5 hours

Age

7 years and over

Group size

Up to 12 people

Start / finish

Brunswick Heads / Julian Rocks, Byron Bay / Brunswick Heads

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Purpose-built boat from Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Blue Seafaris Snorkel Byron Bay Julian Rocks "Nuthungulli"

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Included experiences

Byron coastline — boat run south, often with dolphins
Julian Rocks — snorkel with leopard sharks, turtles and rays
Marine biologist — guided swim to the best spots for the day
Freediving — shallow, protected water around the rocks
Whale season — humpbacks seen daily from June to November

Blue Seafaris Snorkel Byron Bay Julian Rocks "Nuthungulli"

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BRUNSWICK HEADS: FITTING OUT AND BOARDING

Your trip starts at the boat harbour in Brunswick Heads, a small fishing town where the Brunswick River meets the sea, about 15 minutes north of Byron Bay. Look for the Blue Seafaris flag. The crew fit you with a mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit and talk you through the plan for the day, then you climb aboard Wardjum, a purpose-built boat whose name is Bundjalung for a mythical sea creature. Groups are small, so there's room to spread out and time to ask the marine biologist everything you want to know before you get wet.

DOWN THE COAST TO CAPE BYRON

The boat runs south along the Byron coastline towards Cape Byron, the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, where the white lighthouse on the headland has guided ships since 1901. Keep your eyes on the water on the way. Local dolphins often turn up beside the boat, and from June to November humpback whales are seen every day as they migrate up and down the coast. Behind the beaches on a clear day you can pick out the peak of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), the core of a huge volcano that erupted about 23 million years ago.

IN THE WATER AT JULIAN ROCKS

Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) sits off the cape inside a sanctuary zone of the Cape Byron Marine Park, where no fishing is allowed. Warm tropical currents from the north meet cooler southern water here, so the fish life is thick and the visitors are varied. In the shallow, sheltered water around the rocks you might swim above leopard sharks resting on the sand, three kinds of turtle, manta and eagle rays and wobbegongs lying camouflaged on the reef. Grey nurse sharks, critically endangered on Australia's east coast, gather here too. Your marine biologist swims with you and leads you to the best spots for the conditions, and confident swimmers can freedive down for a closer look.

BACK TO BRUNSWICK HEADS

Back on board, peel off the wetsuit and compare sightings on the run north along the coast, with one more chance to spot dolphins or a whale's blow. You step off at Brunswick Heads about two and a half hours after you set out.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour, Harbour Way, Brunswick Heads, 15 minutes north of Byron Bay. Look for the Blue Seafaris flag.
Departure time: Departure times are NSW time, one hour ahead of Queensland during daylight saving.
Duration: About 2.5 hours.
Minimum age: 7 years.
Fitness: You must be comfortable swimming in open water and able to swim about 200 metres unassisted. Flotation jackets are not provided for non-swimmers.
Please note: A liability waiver must be completed for all participants before you arrive. If conditions change, any rescheduling is sent by email and SMS, so enter your mobile number when booking and check your messages before the tour.

What to bring

Camera
Water
Sunglasses and a hat
Reef-safe sunscreen

What is included

Boat trip to Julian Rocks and back from Brunswick Heads
Guided snorkel with an on-board marine biologist
Premium mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit

Not included

Food and drink

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.